Chapter 21

A Reason to Recruit

The insistent tweeting outside her window, broke Lyra's death-like slumber. She woke up, feeling groggy, with a sharp pain in her back. It reminded her of last night's events. She blinked rapidly, trying to clear her vision. Fumbling in her pant's pocket for her glasses. Her vision charm seemed to have worn off. She sighed, trying to move her other hand for better access. She was surprised, when she found her wrist held gently.

Lyra frowned; her heart raced quickly. Had the death-eaters caught a hold of her last night, after she had collapsed? And what about Sarah, was she ok?

Lyra put on her glasses with one hand. Her heart pounded faster. She didn't recognize her surroundings at all. Where was she? When she looked to her left, she saw, Severus Snape, dozing lightly, in a large worn out looking armchair. What in the world?! And then, she saw Minerva with half her body thrown across the foot of her bed. And finally, there was Sarah, asleep on the long couch by the wall.

Lyra slid up. She threw her legs off the bed. She stood as a sharp wince from the pain, in her back, covered her face. Picking up her denim jacket from the bedpost, she put it on with a little trouble. But what seemed quiet to her, wasn't exactly what it was. As while making herself scarce, she accidentally, kicked a few empty glass vials, that rolled away clattering.

Snape opened his eyes as he sleepily watched, Lyra, trying to tip-toe out. He quickly stood up, and patted Sarah awake, who in-turn woke up Minerva.

"Where are you going, Ms. Marks?" Snape sneered, crossing his hands. He looked at her, like she was an unruly first-year.

"Where is my wand?" Lyra spat at him, as she searched the secret slit in her jacket sleeve.

He rolled his eyes at her accusatory tone, and then looked at Sarah, who flung herself around her aunt.

"Not…so fucking tight…Sarah!" Lyra winced in pain. Sarah let go of her instantly. She pulled out Lyra's wand from her cloak and handed it to her.

Lyra looked around the room. She had multiple questions going through her head.

"So…is this your headquarters or something? The Lincoln League, to save Aries Shorthorn? I'm assuming, he's the one, who's been providing you with the potion, while Minerva delivered it." Lyra said smirking, as if she had finally solved the mystery.

Snape scoffed and rolled his eyes.

"Here." He said curtly, handing her some healing salve. Lyra chuckled slightly.

"Well, Severus, we've got to stop this healing salve meet-cute of ours…" She teased, looking to get a rise out of him. Which obviously worked, the minute she said his name.

"If you're trying to thank me, for saving your ungrateful life, then you're doing a terrible job at it, Ms. Marks!" He sneered, before leaving the room.

Lyra laughed a little, but stopped and winced in pain again.

"I better leave, I suppose. I've caused enough, trouble." Lyra smirked, as Sarah blocked her way, appalled by her statement.

"No! You need to eat something! He gave you a ton of blood replenishers. Come downstairs, I'll make you some breakfast!" Said Sarah adamantly.

"I think I'll skip the curdled eggs and burnt bacon, thanks!" Smirked Lyra, as she heard Minerva chuckle in the corner.

Lyra turned around to look at her, and smiled in the most charming way she could. Minerva pursed her lips painfully, once again a look of longing rested on her face, as if she was about to say something. Lyra looked away. Those looks had been troubling her, since last year.

Snape returned and threw and apple at Lyra. She caught it and smirked defiantly at him. He rolled his eyes again at her petulant behaviour. Lyra was about to say something snide, once more. But she stopped, when she saw who, Snape, had brought along with him.

Dumbledore stepped into the room, along with Alastor Moody, Zeus Shorthorn, a ragged looking werewold and a fucking criminal.

Lyra's wand was in her hand instantly. She looked at Sirius Black, who grinned at her, as he spoke.

"Didn't get that response from you last year, when you fed me, and showered me with kisses." He said throwing her the most devilish smile, he could manage.

Lyra looked affronted by his comment. What in the world was this lunatic talking about?

"He's the…uh…he's the…" Sarah tried explaining.

"He's the dog…who was roaming around with, Harry Potter, all through last year." Snape scoffed, completing the awkward sentence that, Sarah, was trying to put together. Sirius glared at him, for calling him a dog.

Lyra's jaw dropped slightly. How could she have not known, that he was…he was an animagus. That was probably, how he'd hoodwinked those dementors to get out!

"Ms. Marks, I'd like to formally introduce myself…for real, this time, I'm Alastor Moody." Said Moody limping towards her. He offered her his hand to shake. Lyra just looked at it and then at all of others in utter confusion.

"Welcome to the Lincoln League…" Sarah said, attempting to defuse the tension with humour.

"…formally known as the Order of The Phoenix." She added awkwardly, when the silence grew more serious.

Lyra shook her head in mild confusion. Then it hit her, this was the Book's doing. She recalled the conversation, she had with Tessra, last night. Her words rang through Lyra's head.

"In England's last war, against Voldemort, there was a large group of brave witches and wizards who stood tall against him. They fought tooth and nail, Lyra. There is word of this group re-building. I have been in touch with their leader and will be explaining your involvement. They call themselves, the Order of the Phoenix. It's being spear-headed by…"

By the tall, half-moon spectacled man in front of Lyra. She gritted her teeth, as her emotions got the better of her, along with a pain in her back. She didn't want to be a part of this. Not like this. She'd just have to tell, Tessra, to find someone else. She wasn't going to work for a man, who thought so little of her. Not after he had broken her trust so easily.

Last year, Albus and she, had formed a rather strong bond. Especially, after Christmas, when they had drunkenly poured their hearts out. He had revealed his past mistakes with Minerva, and Lyra, had told him, about her being adopted.

"I…I should leave…" Lyra said as a nerve thumped in her head. She wanted to get out of there, before her anger got the best of her again. Her fingers were itching at her ring already.

"Ms. Marks, please!" Zeus pleaded. He body-blocked the door.

"Mr. Shorthorn, you best get out of my way. Seeing, after what you've done last night…I should be taking my niece with me! But I'm assuming, you've brainwashed her, with an excuse of an apology. However, I am not an 18-year-old teenager in love, and as your associates will tell you, capable of doing much worse." Snapped Lyra angrily. Zeus could feel the fury radiating from her. It was like being slapped in the face by a heat wave.

Zeus stepped aside instantly, Lyra grasped the doorknob.

"Lyra…"

That was all it took to stop her in her path.

Lyra sighed, gripping the doorknob until her knuckles went white.

She closed her eyes and exhaled. She didn't know why, he had that effect on her. Probably, because she still respected him. Possibly because he had wormed his way into her heart as a friend?

Lyra had never had too many friends to begin with. Not that it wasn't easy for her to make friends. But she could be a lot for most people. The only person who wasn't family and had stuck by her was Zenia, and that was all. And Zenia, had been like a sister to her way before, she had even married Michelin. Lyra didn't think she needed anyone else. And there was her brother and Zenia. Her best-friend and her constant defender. She didn't need more.

Then why had she stopped?

Dumbledore had broken her trust. He had slain her reputation! He had…he had…he had reacted how she would have reacted, she knew that. But she hadn't accepted it.

When Lyra had accused the imposter, earlier that year. She had no proof but her own word. But it had hurt her fragile ego, that he hadn't believed her. Her reputation had held no weight in England. Of course, it hadn't...but she had been too arrogant to let him undermine her. He hadn't trusted her enough, to believe that the imposter Moody, who he thought he had known for years, was a murderer. But, why would Dumbledore have trusted her? Someone he had just acquainted himself with recently over someone he had known for years? She knew, she wouldn't have! That thought hadn't struck her when she had accused the imposter. That hadn't struck her, when Dumbledore had denied her accusations. Instead, she had taken it as an attack on her morals...her honesty...her career...herself!

Over the years, of claiming fame and name. Lyra had also collected a certain amount of arrogance. And when Dumbledore had shot her down so brutally, it went to the heart of her ego. So, she had retreated silently, to judge him, hate him, lick her own wounds. And then, floated on the high she had got, when he had been proven wrong, when the truth was revealed. In reality, Lyra had not seen him as a friend, but a friendly-rival, someone to match magic and wits with. She had adored him for that.

Lyra turned around, the anger had disappeared. Now, she just looked at him with disappointment. She refused to say anything, she waited for him to speak.

"Could everyone give us the room, please?" Albus stated gently. The others looked at each other awkwardly at first, but then slowly shuffled outside. Only Moody stayed behind.

"Alastor…" Dumbledore sighed sternly. But Moody, ignored him.

Lyra stepped back into the room, allowing the rest to leave.

Dumbledore sighed and sat down on the bed. Lyra just stood, waiting impatiently for him to say something.

"I know…I know, we have had our differences." He began, but she cut him short. Her bruised ego getting the better of her.

"They aren't differences, Albus. It's a matter of trust. You don't trust me, it seems like you never did…and I don't trust you either anymore, Albus. Truth be told, I don't know why I'm still standing here." Said Lyra scathingly.

Moody's magical eye, moved between Dumbledore and Marks. At least, they were still on a first name bases, that had to count for something, he thought.

"Then I propose, we change that, Lyra." Dumbledore said simply. Lyra looked at him wearily. She frowned and bit her bottom lip in contemplation.

"With a combination of your minds and magical abilities…there's nothing, that can stop the Order, from protecting innocent people. With you on the team, we will be an unstoppable force. You are the greatest witch of your time, Ms. Marks. We need you to help us. Help us, help others! You could spare so many lives from the destruction, that You-Know-Who is planning." Moody spoke, as he tried to sweet-talk her.

Lyra shot him a glare. He didn't have to butt in.

"Mr. Moody, I respect your experience as an auror, I truly do. But forgive me, for being terribly blunt, you have no place in this conversation." Lyra spat distastefully.

"I apologize, and I know that, Ms. Marks. I know, especially, after the events from earlier, what you might think of me. But, I am not as spritely as I used to be. Which is why, I am just trying to persuade you to…" Moody started again.

"To what? Join the Order of The Phoenix? In case, you have forgotten, Mr. Moody. Let me remind you…this is not my war to fight!" Lyra snapped, getting to the point.

"But it is…it is, as per your destiny...as per Tessra Jones' orders! Why do you need more convincing?! When you should be following orders!" Albus interjected rudely. Lyra's nostrils flared at his words.

"I am not...some...puppet. I don't know what information you've received. But, I don't just blindly follow orders! And if you're trying to manipulate me, it's not going to work Albus, you know better than that!" She snarled back at him.

"Tessra Jones, has shown great interest in supporting the Order's initiative. In fact, we had a rather long chat last night after you arrived. She mentioned that it had to be you." He responded shrugging. Lyra's fists curled.

Of course, Tessra had spoken to him. She knew that. But, that didn't mean, he could just attack her with this.

"I thought, she said, she made it very plain to you, Lyra. I am not aware of any other member ever defying a direct order. Please, do enlighten us." He said crossing his hands.

"She also mentioned, that this had to do with your destiny. So, I will ask again. Do you really believe, that this is not where you are meant to be?" He asked, more calmly this time.

But, Lyra now had no leg to stand on, but she pulled out the last card that she had.

"I am the maker of my own destiny! It is my choice, to decide where I want my life to head! So, if you think that just by speaking to Tessra Jones, you're going to convince me to fight a battle that's not mine…you're sorely mistaken." Lyra snarled at him.

Albus's guards went up. He was annoyed by the fact that someone as smart as, Lyra, did not see things clearly.

The room fell silent, as the two of them glared at each other. Moody, just stood there awkwardly, his eyes darting from one to the next. It felt like the two were about to start a duel, each waiting for the other to release the first strike.

Moody was surprised. It was Albus, who broke the silence. Which was odd, seeing how stubbornly against this, he was last night. But what he said, made Alastor, look at him in shock. Dumbledore had just instantly, got to his point. His gentle demeanour now lost.

"What is your relationship with Gellert Grindelwald?" Dumbledore spat, his wand in his hand now.

"What…" She stumbled back, offended by the question.

Lyra looked at him affronted. Her look was evidence enough to Albus, to probe further. He was now, extremely curious and worried about what her motives were.

He had placed her in a rather delicate position. How could he have known? Lyra didn't say a word, just turned her back on them and moved towards the window. She closed her eyes, trying to push those dark thoughts out of her mind. Who was she kidding, this man, wasn't any ordinary wizard. Albus Dumbledore was a known legend, for a reason. She'd be foolish, to think, that she could hoodwink her way out of this. She sighed, opening her eyes as she looked at the sunny day outside. Her mind was a mess. He had managed to wreck havoc in there, the minute he had called her name.

Albus knew, he had won this small battle. He looked at Alastor, as if to say, he knew it…he knew, there was something different about this woman. Something familiar, yet…unknown! But Albus, wasn't stupid, he had to tread lightly. He had seen it many times, nurture usually won over nature. He knew, Lyra was raised beautifully, but there were somethings in her past, and his, for that matter, that could coincide in an unexpected way…a sinister way…and Albus wanted to be prepared. If she truly was, who he thought, she was. Then, he would need to figure out, how he was supposed to even deal with her. He hated Grindelwald. He hated everything to do with him. He blamed him, for his loss, his mistakes, his past. And if, Lyra, was someone connected to him. Then, Albus needed to know! He needed to know, if she was worth trusting. If Grindelwald was her, and she had lied to the world, about it. Then, she was as manipulative, as him. And Albus, would make sure she would pay for it. But, he needed her to say it. He had no concreate proof of it. He needed her to tell him, the truth.

"Lyra, if we are to trust each other again…you need to answer my question...honestly…what is your relationship with Gellert Grindelwald?" He asked calmly this time. His voice almost tired and without any expectations. He didn't think, she was going to answer his question.

Lyra finally, couldn't take it anymore. Memories she had repressed deep within her were to be set free again. She had expected that it would be sooner than later, that she would have to recount them. She would have to face her fears. This wasn't a game anymore. She knew, she couldn't defy Tessra's orders. She knew she couldn't deny her own destiny. She knew, if she had to make any sense of her future. She would have to tell him. Tears swarmed her eyes and instead of disappearing with her intense blinking, they dropped onto her face. She quickly wiped them away, disappointed by her lack of emotional control.

A sudden shuffling outside the door, diverted all their attention. Moody angrily limped to the door. The troop, who had been in the room earlier, was still at the door, using one of the Weasley twins' silly hearing aids.

"You lot…!" Moody thundered angrily as Sirius was the first to speak.

"If Dumbledore doesn't trust her. How can you possibly expect us to, Moody?! And what the hell does Grindelwald have to do any of this?" Snapped Sirius.

"She's my aunt! I trust her with my life…blindly…eyes closed!" Snarled Sarah in her aunt's defence, as if challenging Sirius to say another word.

"Sirius…know your place!" Snarled Moody. He didn't need an already tense and magic-riddled scenario to get worse. Especially after, what had transpired last night. He was worried that if she could control a fiendfyre like she had just a few hours ago, there was no stopping her from burning the house down, if provoked any further. However, she surprised them, by what she said next.

"It's alright." Sighed Lyra vulnerably. The group piled back in, and shut the door behind them.

"…I am not afraid to tell you, but it's a long story…" Lyra said looking at the room. She may have been ashamed of this part of her life, but she wasn't afraid of it. Not anymore. However, remembering it, pained her greatly. She hated feeling so vulnerable. She didn't want these people judging her for her sins. For things, she had tried to hide away, behind her work and charming smirks. But she had repented. No, she would forever repent those sins. Her arrogance. The reason why she choose to shy away from the constant attention she received. Why the ones close to her would always tip-toe around her. Why...her brother...had to live with that face...for the rest of his life!

"Years ago, my brother, had a friend, Reginald Smith. In fact, he's still friends with him…" Lyra said, Alastor Moody cut her.

"The current president of MACUSA?!" Moody asked, a little surprised.

"Yes. The same…Reginald Smith. He and Michelin, my brother, were in the same year at AIMS. He was three years my senior, but always a handsome boy. He was kind, sweet, just truly an amazing person. He never had a problem hanging out with Michelin's silly little sister. And just like my brother, fell in love with my best friend. I fell in love with his…" Lyra began, she noticed everyone listening to her with rapt attention. She continued.

"…I was always a model student. I studied hard. I aced every test, every class, everything! It wasn't rare. But I was special, and I knew it! I only found out, how special I was…when Alexander Moses died. He was a member of the 27. He died of old-age. That meant, there was a position open, in one of the most prestigious covens, the world has ever seen. I didn't pay much attention to it. After all, why would the all-powerful 27, care about a 17-year-old like me?"

"But in my seventh year, Tessra Jones, noticed my skills. It was at the AIMS Annual Duelling Championship. She suggested, I spend the next few years, working hard to get a double graduation. She had hand-picked me. A seventeen year old...she was the leader of the 27...I was just a stupid kid. I...I couldn't believe it. It was extremely rare, for the leader of the Coven to handpick someone...and here she was...choosing...me! She asked me my interests, and I told her, I wanted to become an auror. She suggested, I take up healing, alongside. Two of the most difficult majors to graduate in…defence and healing. At first, I wasn't sure. I didn't think, I was cut out for it. But she was mighty convincing. She said, I had nothing to lose. And I, was too ambitious, to let an opportunity of a lifetime pass me by."

"Reggie, stood by my side, helping me study…helping me practice…helping me, in every way, he could. He was one of my biggest supporters. Cheering me on from the side-lines, while I exceled. I finished my degree in healing, first. Receiving an award from the International Society of Magical Healing itself. I was just 18. A major, that took people two years to finish, I did in one. I got cocky and arrogant. I received a lot of attention for just this. Imagine what happened, when I was about to finish my auror training." Scoffed Lyra. She paused to take a breath, as the room continued to listen with rapt attention.

"Of course, through the next year, I worked harder. I ignored, every relationship I had. I didn't eat. I didn't sleep. Sometimes, I think, I forgot to breathe. I knew, it was affecting things with Reggie. We'd started fighting, every single day. You see, he was running for the post of Governor of Boston. Just like, his father had, and his grandfather, before him. He wanted to get married to me. It would help him get more votes. If the public knew, he was a family man. I kept pushing his proposals aside, every time. Not now…once I finish my double graduation…why rush…I am just 19…we have our whole lives to be together. And Reggie, waited for me. He never...left...he waited." Lyra said drifting off as she recalled those terrible fights. Taking in a deep breath, she swallowed her pain away and continued.

"Soon, I passed auror training with flying colours. That year, I was made the youngest member on MACUSA's A-Squad. And I got what I wanted, of course. I became the youngest member to ever be invited into the Coven. As you can tell, the press had published literally, every angle of my face. Every aspect of my journey, my life, my upbringing…everything…was on display, when it came to me. There was constant attention on me. Where I was going, who I was meeting, who I was dating, what I was wearing…everything! And I loved it, I loved the attention! I thrived in it! But now, I had time to focus on Reggie. He proposed like he had before, and I…I said, yes!"

"A month later, Reggie invited me home for dinner, with his parents. You know…to make it official. He told his parents about our engagement. He had already won, the senate elections that year, and he had hoped that this would just be another feather in his cap, I suppose. I don't know what this engagement meant to him. To me it meant, I had found someone, who'd be there for me...forever. He had stood by me, through all of this. I took him for granted...he wasn't going anywhere. He was the one who have proposed. He would never...leave me. At least, that what I thought."

"However, his father, had bigger plans for him. Mr. Smith stood up, during that dinner. I still remember the resentment on his face. He said some terrible things to me. He said, dating me, was one thing…but marrying me…was just out of the question! He wanted Reggie, to become the next MACUSA president, and according to Mr. Smith, Reggie would never be able to do that with me, as his wife." Lyra said sombrely as someone asked another question. This time it was Minerva. She sounded upset, her voice was unsteady.

"Why?"

"Well, because I was…I was just the adopted daughter of a magizoologist and a homemaker. Sure, they were pure-bloods. But no one knew my true blood status. I could be a muggle-born. How could a Smith, a family of pure-bloods, marry an unknown like me! And of course, apart from my blood status, there was a bigger problem. My social reputation. I was a celebrity. With an article in the American Bugle, everyday. I was more popular than Reggie could ever be. And to have a wife, who held more power than MACUSA's president was unacceptable for the Smiths."

"I still remember him talking to his son, so vividly. She will eat your career alive! You will never have power over the 27. They will manipulate their away into your life. You'll never have a days peace, if you marry this woman!"

"Mr. Smith, was always a nasty man, I never liked him." Hissed Sarah in the corner. Lyra gave her a small chuckle. Sarah smiled at her as if in support.

"Well, Reggie's parents convinced him. He started believing, that I wasn't the right person for him. And he just gave up on me. He broke our engagement, like it meant nothing. He told me, that I had picked my career and ambitions over him. And it was time, he did the same. I begged. I pleaded. I promised, I'd leave the 27, if it meant, he'd stay. But Reggie, didn't stay. He pushed me away, like I meant…nothing. Blaming it, all on me. Saying terrible, but probably, honest things about me—about how, he could never be with someone, who was as selfish as me."

"I spiralled. I spiralled badly after that…I was depressed. I started smoking. I started doing drugs, I shouldn't have been. I started drinking…just so that, I'd be numb to the pain. I was left with no one. My brother and his wife, were always there for me, but it wasn't enough."

"I would destroy things. Leaving, Michelin, to pick up the pieces after me. I broke my ties with everyone, I knew. With my friends. With my family. I pushed everyone away. But Michelin stayed. I still don't know why. But, he always...stayed. But, how long, was I going to depend on my poor brother? He had a young daughter to look after. He had his own family to worry about. So, me and my vices, found another one. I was always a better auror, than I was a healer. So, I worked harder at that. I grew to the position of captain of MACUSAs aurors, in the next year. I became a senior member of the team, with multiple arrests under my belt. If the Smiths thought, I was going to outshine their son. I'd show them by just how much!" She paused sighing. She rubbed a stray tear away and continued her story.

"That year, my team and I had arrested a rather aggressive group of vampires, trying to start a coup against their own kind. As the leader of the team, I was tasked to take them to prison. MACUSA prisons were full that day. So, they were transferred to Nurmengard, which MACUSA used to house prisoners frequently."

"It was my first time there. And I did, my duty. I deposited, those prisoners and they were taken to their cells. Since, they were vampires, they were placed in the deepest dungeons of the castle, where no light fell through. It was a dark place to be. It smelt like rotting flesh and faeces. That place felt so dark, so unnerving. I decided to light myself a cigarette, once I was on a higher floor."

"However, the flame of my muggle lighter did something, I had never witnessed before. And…and I was fascinated. The flame grew larger and started moving towards a bend. I followed the trail. Trying to see, where it was leading me. I was still in the dungeons…so it was incredibly dark. Then the trail, just disappeared. That was when, I saw two dancing flames, from behind a large cell door. Captivated, I walked closer to the long bars of the cell. I realised, that there was a man…his eyes…his eyes were on fire!" Said Lyra, looking directly at Dumbledore.

Her face held nothing but fear. She looked extremely disturbed. She exhaled and fumbled in her pockets for a cigarette. She needed one, if she was going to continue. She lit it quickly and took a few drags, before continuing.

"That was the first time, I met him. He was polite and asked me for a cigarette. I had never witnessed magic like that before. He had no wand…nothing even barely magical through which, he could channel such power. He made me want it. So, I told him, I'd give him a cigarette, if he taught me, how to do that. He laughed menacingly at me. I knew, who he was. I knew, how dangerous he was. But, in my arrogance, I didn't care. He saw my phoenix with me. And he said…he said, I reminded him…of an old friend. Who had a Phoenix, just like mine. Of course, I only learnt, who he was talking about, just last year." Lyra said, pausing to look at Albus again. He met her gaze. He understood, that Gellert Grindelwald had meant him. Lyra continued.

"He marvelled at how young I was. How I had achieved so much. And in my youthful stupidity, I told him everything about me. He told me, I was extra-ordinary, and once again fondly mentioned, that I reminded him of a man he once knew. When I asked him, who he was talking about. He laughed. He said, he'd either tell me, who it was, or teach me, what he'd just done. I chose the latter, obviously. He said, I shouldn't come back, if I regretted my choice. I didn't care. I wanted that power. I wanted to learn! I felt like, if I could do such magic, I wouldn't need the 27 or their mastery in elemental magic. Maybe, I could get Reggie back then. So, he taught me."

"Gellert Grindelwald is the reason, my element is fire. He taught me how to tap into the darkest parts of it. He taught me how to make bend it to my will. I didn't know, what exactly, he had taught me. Elements are not toys, they are not so easy to control. Which is why, the 27, provide us with alchemic rings. But, I thought, I was special. He thought, I was special. An entire continent, thought I was special…so maybe I was." Lyra explained disappointedly. She remembered, how stupid she had been when she was younger.

"At first, I couldn't do it. Things didn't work for me, without a wand. The harder I tried, the more I failed. I couldn't even produce a tiny flame without my wand. Thinking, he had made a fool out of me. I gave up. Pushing this interaction, to the back of my mind. I went on with my life. I started doing much better. Sarah was growing up and Michelin always wanted me to baby-sit. It was his way of drawing me back to normalcy. And every time, every time, that little girl smiled at me, it filled my dark world up with light. I was finally stepping out of my depression. I was feeling normal again. But I was wrong. I wasn't going back to normal, by being healthy. I was only repressing my feelings, so deep down, I wished they'd never surface. It worked for some time…" Lyra paused, finding it hard to continue. But, she had to. She had to! She had come this far.

"And then it happened?" Sarah asked poignantly. Lyra nodded darkly.

"And then it happened. The Bugle ran a cover story, on the most eligible bachelor, in America, and how he was set to tie the knot in a few days. When I read that, I was enraged. I couldn't believe it. I was depressed. Unhappy. Living my life, in misery. And, this man had found happiness! I don't know, what I was expecting."

"That night…in a drunken and drug riddled stupor. I went to his house. It was late. I didn't care. I pounded on the door, demanding that I be let in. Screaming that he had ruined my life. Demanding that he be, as miserable as me!"

"Reggie…Reggie and his fiancé, let me into their home. I remember…not being in my senses. I remember threatening him…and his fiancé. I remember…wanting…to take away his happiness. Reggie knew, there was something off about me. This…this wasn't a regular drunken rant. He knew me. He tried to reason with me. I refused to listen. Just kept brandishing my wand at him. Destroying his house. He flooed Michelin in. Fearing my brother would be ashamed by me. I left."

"Michelin looked everywhere for me. Until, he found me, at a deserted local muggle bar. I was already drunk out of my mind. Everyone had left. Even the usual drunkards, had taken off. Michelin tried his best to take me home. But I wanted to drink more. I demanded more! The barkeep said, that he was going to cut me off. I still remember, looking at him like he had committed the worst sin, he could ever have. How dare he deny me? How dare he deny me, what was rightfully mine? Just like Reggie had! How dare, he take away...the one thing that had been my crutch…the only thing, keeping me sane. I…I wasn't thinking straight, I was only thinking of hate, unhappiness…dark seething revenge!

"I don't even remember uttering the spell. A spell, that Grindelwald had taught me. But, a large fiery Phoenix engulfed the barkeep whole. It engulfed the entire establishment. I couldn't control it, it took over my body, my mind, every particle of my being, was now a part of this fire!"

"I don't know how, but Michelin managed to pull me out of there. He ran back in, to get the burnt barkeep, who was miraculously still alive. But, Michelin got burnt. He got burnt, so badly, that the flesh on his face was melting, in front of my eyes. The inferno died, and I almost lost my brother, that night."

Lyra felt her throat dry up, as she swallowed her misery. Sarah looked at her in shock. She never knew, why her father's face had been so mangled…only heard bits and pieces of some accident.

"I grabbed him and the barkeep. Apparated with them, straight to the hospital. I lied and told them that there was a gas leak in the bar that set it ablaze. They believed me. I was, Lyra Marks, why would I lie to them. They never even questioned me."

"Michelin, thankfully, recovered and so did the barkeep. I couldn't face my brother, after that, or his family, or mine, for that matter. I thought, they'd hate me more than they already probably did. I had almost killed their son. Their husband. Their father. But Michelin, found his way into my office. I was as usual, hiding behind my work. He brought me home. He...forgave me. There were never any charges. No cases. No one even knew, about what had happened that night, in the local muggle bar. Apart from a gas leak, that injured two people. Which got the barkeep and owner, a hefty pay-out from their insurance. After that, I swore…I swore to learn how to control my powers. I swore, never to lose control of my emotions. I swore, never to engage in dark magic again. Because, I knew…I knew…there was a darkness in me, that was ready to explode anytime it liked. Unless, I kept it under control."

"I have never used that spell again, until last night. I let my emotions get the better of me. However, my mastery in fire and the ring helped me channel my magic for good. And that Albus, that is how, I know Gellert Grindelwald." Lyra finished her story.

The room was heavy with silence. Nobody dared to move a muscle. Everyone, including Albus was shocked by this story. Finally, Sarah went and hugged her aunt tightly, and this time Lyra gave in. She hugged her back, closing her eyes and accepting the pity. She didn't deserve to be pitied, she deserved to be shamed. Especially by Sarah. Whose father was the victim. However, something told Lyra, that her niece was above that. It proved to her in clear terms that, Sarah, was just as kind and loving, as her parents.

Nobody else said, or did anything. Presuming this, to be reason enough, to leave. Lyra opened the door to exit the room.

Lyra, literally, ran down the stairs. Tears flowed down her face, falling heavily. She hoped, no one would stop her. And thankfully, the other residents were clattering away somewhere in the distance.

Lyra proceeded to open the main door. However, a hand grasped onto hers and held her back. She turned with heavy tears in her eyes.

"Thank you, for telling me this. I know it wasn't easy, for you…in front of all those people. Lyra, I can't begin to fathom…" He began.

"Please stop, Albus. I don't need your pity." She stated softly.

"I don't pity you, Lyra. I know it is not easy to overcome hardships of lost love…believe me, I do! But to blossom, the way you have, after undergoing so much pain. Tells me, that you are a person of true resilience. I have always known…that I could trust you, Lyra…but you have just given me a reason to." He said as Lyra wiped her eyes and composed herself.

Albus felt horrible to have made her recount those memories. He related to her. He knew, just how manipulative Grindelwald could be. She had been too young and too malleable, to realize that, Grindelwald, had tried to exploit her. Albus, also felt horrible, to have thought, she had been associated with Grindelwald in some familial way. He felt disappointed in himself, for thinking so badly of her.

"…and if you would do us the honour, of joining our fight against the darkness in our lives. I believe, I will owe you a reason to trust me." Albus added.

"What do you mean, Albus? I don't need a reason to trust you. I just spewed my life to you, up there. I don't need a reason to trust you…I already do." She said genuinely.

"And yet…I would like to give you one, Lyra."

"If you are willing to join the Order, Lyra. I will help you find your parents. I know, you've searched for years. And, it is still an unanswered question. But you were born in England. I asked Tessra, why it had to be you…the one to join the Order. She simply said, it was your destiny, that it you were meant to be here, in London. I have many ways and contacts to help you, find the answers you seek!" He stated simply.

Lyra looked at him stunned. Unlike, what she had believed earlier. Tessra, hadn't told him anything. Apart from the things most people knew. But his words, made her head spin. He had quoted the book verbatim…find the answers you seek.

If this wasn't a clear indication, Lyra, didn't know what would be. So, she told him, exactly what the book had said.

They shook hands, as he welcomed her to the Order of The Phoenix. He then handed her a note with the address of the house on it.

"This house is under a Fidelius charm. Last night, when you arrived, I whispered it into your ear. Hoping your unconscious mind would register some part of it. I am its secret keeper. This should help you see clearly." Albus said softly.

Lyra nodded. She closed her eyes and opened them again. The entire layout of the house had shifted. She could no longer, only see a few elements, but the entire house itself.

"I suggest, you move in today. Mrs. Molly Weasley, will help you settle in. We will speak to Tessra Jones together. Once you are comfortable." Finished Albus. Lyra nodded but she had something more to say.

"Albus…wait…" She began as Dumbledore turned around to look at her.

"I know, I'm not one to talk, about love. And honestly...I think, I stopped giving it a chance, a long time ago. And, I apologize, if I'm overstepping. But when you said...you know about overcoming...the hardships of lost love...I don't think you do, Albus. I'm sorry, but your love is not lost, Albus. She's right there. Probably, still waiting for you. You need to give yourself a chance, Albus…you deserves a chance. She deserves a chance!" Lyra said pitifully.

Albus looked forlorn by what she said, but he smiled sadly at Lyra.

"Minerva and I, have slipped into a comfortable friendship, Lyra. I doubt, that she would ever forgive my folly. It destroyed our lives, so many years ago. We could never go back to how it used to be." He said rather sorrowfully.

"Maybe…maybe, it's time you apologised then. A lot of us, may never have a chance of getting back what we had. But…but you still do, Albus! Don't let go of it. Even if, it's after so many years." Lyra finished, patting his shoulder. She smiled and then apparated to her apartment to gather her life and move in.

AN/- Phew! That was a long chapter. Hope you guys are enjoying the story so far :)